Tube holder

ABSTRACT

A tube holder is designed for attachment to a dispensing system. The holder has a base and a holding member extending along an axis Y. A rear side of the base is configured to attach to the dispensing system and a front side of the base is where the holding member is located. And, the base in a plan view has a general quadrilateral shape, for example a rhombus shape.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the invention relate to a tube holder, and in particular to a tube holder for holding an extension tube of a dispensing system when not in use.

BACKGROUND

A dispensing system, such as an aerosol spray canister (or the like), typically emits its substances to the ambient environment through an outlet orifice in a diverging pattern. In some cases however, it may be desirable to deliver the substances to a more precise target, such as into a restricted location; and for this purpose dispensing systems sometimes include an extension tube for facilitating delivery of the substances to the desired target.

The extension tube can be several centimeters long with one end adapted to be connected to the dispenser's outlet orifice. These extension tubes, however may get lost in time; and for that purpose, a variety of solutions have been proposed, that are aimed at holding the tube when not in use.

US2003052140 as one example describes a plastic holder for preventing loss of a spray tube, which attaches the tube to the aerosol can. The holder is fitted to the can surface using a double sided tape and the spray tube is held in the holder when not in use and can be removed from the holder by grasping the spray tube and snapping it out of the tube holder.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,354 in another example describes a tube holder for attachment to the surface of an aerosol can. The holder includes a base with a pair of resilient, tube grasping members for receiving the tube therebetween.

Further examples include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,558,247, 5,544,783 and 5,988,575 all of which propose various holder solutions for the same purpose of attaching a spray tube to a dispensing system.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

In an embodiment there is provided a tube holder for attachment to a dispensing system, the holder comprising a base and a holding member extending along an axis Y, the base comprising a rear side configured to attach to the dispensing system and a front side where the holding member is located, wherein the base in a plan view of either the front or rear sides has a general quadrilateral shape, for example a rhombus shape.

Such possible shape of the base, at least in certain embodiments of the invention, in the plan view may be defined as including opposite equal acute angles, opposite equal obtuse angles, and four equal sides.

Typically the holding member is configured for detachably holding an extension tube for the dispensing system when the extension tube is not in use.

In an embodiment, the holding member extends a distance H along axis Y and at least a portion of the rear side of the base has an extension W that in the plan view appears to extend along an axis generally orthogonal to Y, and wherein W≥H.

This extension W may span be along a curved section of the base's rear side, wherein a radius of the curve is generally similar to a radius of the dispensing system.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention there is also provided a dispensing system comprising a holder as aforementioned defined.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following detailed descriptions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative, rather than restrictive. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 schematically shows a dispensing system and an embodiment of a tube holder of the invention for detachably holding an extension tube to the dispensing system;

FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically show an embodiment of a tube holder of the invention, respectively, with or without an extension tube attached to its front side;

FIG. 3 schematically shows a front side of an embodiment of the tube holder of the invention;

FIG. 4 schematically shows a top (or bottom) view of the tube holder of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 schematically shows a rear side of an embodiment of a tube holder of the invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically show top (or bottom) views of an embodiment of a tube holder of the invention just prior to attachment, respectively, to relative small and large diameter dispensing systems; and

FIGS. 7.1 to 7.7 schematically show an embodiment of a tube holder of the invention in various views including also some when placed on a canister.

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated within the figures to indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Attention is first drawn to FIG. 1 schematically illustrating a dispensing system 10 and an extension tube 12 that is held connected to the dispensing system by means of a tube holder 14 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the example here shown, the dispensing system 10 may have a can or canister like cylindrical formation and may be e.g. of an aerosol type spray device. In other examples, the dispensing system 10 may be of different type to the aerosol type, for example an atomizer or the like.

The extension tube 12 is typically used for dispensing substances from within the dispensing system 10 to more precise targets, such as into a restricted location (or the like); and is typically adapted to be manually fitted at one end when in use to an outlet orifice 9 of the dispenser and manually inserted into the tube holder 14 when not in use.

Attention is drawn to FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrating an embodiment of a tube holder 14 of the invention, here generally viewed from a perspective front side. The tube holder 14 has a base 16 and a holding member 18. The base has front and rear sides 17, 19. The holding member 18 is formed on the front side 17 extending along an axis Y while the rear side 19 of the base (here hidden) is configured to attach to a dispensing system (not shown in FIG. 2). Axis Y generally extends parallel to an axis (not shown) of the cylindrical shape of the dispensing system.

The base 16 in a plan view of either the front or rear sides has a general quadrilateral shape (e.g., parallelogram, rhomboidal, or the like). Attention is drawn to FIG. 3 illustrating a plan view of a tube holder 14 and consequently of a base 16 of the tube holder in accordance with an embodiment generally similar to that seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The quadrilateral shape of the base can be defined by two imaginary diagonals D1, D2 that are generally orthogonal one to the other and intersect each other at a central region of the base. One of the diagonals, here diagonal D1 at least in the provided plan view appears generally coinciding with axis Y of the holding member 18. The diagonals D1, D2 in addition also intersect merges 21 at vertices regions of the quadrilateral shape of the base. Here the merges 21 are illustrated generally arc shaped (however other shapes for the vertices 21 are also possible, e.g. ‘V’ shape of the like).

Base 16 in addition has four peripheral side flanks S (possibly all of generally similar length but not necessarily) that extend each at least partially along an imaginary flank axis F that slants towards and intersects each diagonal D1, D2 while forming with each respective diagonal an internal acute angle A1, A2. Adjacent flanks S are joined in this example accordingly via a merge 21.

Holding member 18 in this example includes holding regions here in the form of clamps (e.g. two such clamps 181, 182) for holding the extension tube when it is not in use. An extension of the holding member along axis Y is defined by a distance H and its width perpendicular to Y (i.e. generally parallel to diagonal D2) is marked as M. Here distance H marks the full extension of holding member 18 along axis Y, however distance H may also be used in some cases to define the distance between most distant holding regions in the holding member 18.

Attention is drawn to FIG. 4 schematically illustrating a top (or bottom) view of a tube holder 14 generally similar to the holder seen in FIGS. 1 to 3. The view here seen of tube holder 14 may also be defined as taken along a direction generally coinciding e.g. with axis Y.

The holding member in this example projects above the front side of the base a height C and the holding member is configured to hold onto an extension tube (here illustrated by the dashed circle) that has a diameter d. Height C may preferably be designed to have a minimal projection above the base (e.g. to avoid exposure to accidental damage or unintentional hits during use) however while providing sufficient extension to effectively hold onto the tube.

In one embodiment, this can be provided by C and d satisfying a ratio of C≤2×d; and more preferably C≤1.5×d. As seen in the enlargement at the bottom left side of FIG. 4, the holding member in one embodiment is configured to contact the tube about axis Y at three distinct points 15 to ensure holding onto a range of tube diameters and/or create sufficient friction against the tube so that it does not fall out easily.

As seen in this view of FIG. 4, base 16 of the tube holder at its rear side 19 has a generally partial cylindrical concaved shape having a radius R (it is noted also that the front side 17 may also be arced as in this example). In an aspect of the invention, the magnitude of radius R may be chosen according to various canister diameters of typical dispensing systems to which the tube holder is designed to attach.

For example, for typical canisters having a radius range of about 25-33 millimeters, a tube holder that is intended to attach to such canisters may be chosen to have a radius R at the rear side of base 16 that is in-between these values, for example equal to about 29 millimeters. In a non-binding example, a sagitta Sg of a tube holder having a radius of about 29 millimeters may be equal to about 2.4 millimeters.

With attention additionally drawn back to FIG. 3, tube holder 14 can be seen having an extension W along a curve defied by radius R, which in a plan view of e.g. the holder's front side (as in FIG. 3) appears extending along a direction perpendicular to axis Y, i.e. along or parallel to diagonal D2. Extension W along the holder's rear side defines an effective curved attachment zone alongside diagonal D2 for attaching to a dispensing system.

With attention additionally drawn to FIGS. 6A to 6B, examples of attachment of a holder 14 having a certain given radius R to various sized dispensing systems is illustrated. In FIG. 6A the holder is illustrated just prior to attachment to a dispensing system of relative small diameter (marked by the dashed line) and in FIG. 6B the holder is illustrated just prior to attachment to a dispensing system of relative larger diameter (marked by the dotted line).

The relative smaller sized dispensing system may have a radius of e.g. about 25 millimeters, the relative larger sized dispensing system may have a radius of e.g. about 33 millimeters and the radius R of the holder at its rear side may have a value of about 29 millimeters in this example. Elasticity of the holder's base (made e.g. of plastic) may permit the base to flex during attachment to the dispensing system. In the case seen in FIG. 6A such elasticity may permit the base to attach also at the regions marked by the dashed arrows. In the case seen in FIG. 6B such elasticity may permit the base to attach also at the region marked by the dotted arrow.

Attention is drawn to FIG. 5 illustrating a rear side 19 of a tube holder 14 and consequently of its base 16. In the view shown, dashed line 20 may represent a boundary of a possible attachment means, e.g. a double sided adhesive tape, that may be one option for attaching the holder 14 to a canister of a dispensing system.

The dotted lines 22 seen also in this figure represent an additional or alternative formation that may be provided for the attachment means in order to attach the rear side 19 of the holder 14 to a dispensing system. In this example, the attachment means may be divided into several segments, for example a vertical segment 22 a extending along a direction generally coinciding with diagonal D1 (or axis Y) and a horizontal segment 22 b extending along a direction generally coinciding with diagonal D2. Additional possible segments not marked by numerals may also be provided.

In at least certain embodiments, use of only some of the segments, such as also use of only one segment, may be sufficient for securely attaching the holder 14 to a canister of a dispensing system. For example, in certain embodiments horizontal segment 22 b alone may be sufficient in order to securely attach holder 14 to such canister. Segment 22 b extending along a maximal curvature of the holder's rear side 19 (along the base's diagonal D2) may provide a firm grip for holder 14 on the canister useful for resisting relative movements of the holder in relation to the canister once fitted thereto. Segment 22 b in addition ensures attachment/adhesion of lateral sides 99 of the holder to the canister that may act to resist possible moment forces acting to dislodge the holder from the canister during the intended use of the canister/holder arrangement.

It is noted that although the attachment means 20 and/or the segment option 22 for such attachment means, are schematically illustrated not extending to the full perimeter of the base's rear side—it is understood that the attachment means 20, 22 may extend to such full extent along the rear side 19. For example, segment 22 b may extend along a curve of the holder's rear side, which in a plan view may be seen to extend alongside diagonal D2 to a full extension of rear side 19 and consequently to an extension generally equal to W that the base has along diagonal D2 in this plan view. In one non-binding example, the attachment means may be generally similar to the VHB registered trademark Tape of the 3M Company corporation based in Maplewood, Minn.

In an embodiment, a width K of segment 22 b (and possibly also segment 22 a and other segments) may be defined as at least 50% (or possibly 100%) larger than the width M of the holding member in order to better resist moment forces that may be applied upon the tube holder e.g. during insertion or removal of an extension tube and/or undesired forces being applied upon the tube holder e.g. by a user handling the holder or by unintentional contact between the holder and other objects e.g. in a tool box where a dispenser including such tool holder is held.

With attention drawn back to FIG. 3, an aspect of at least some embodiments of the invention concerns dimensions H and W being chosen to satisfy a ratio where W is equal to or greater than H. Such ratio of W≥H has been found to impart an advantageous effect of providing an effective force on the holder's rear side (due to attachment along dimension W) sufficient to substantially resist moment forces proportional to dimension H that may occur while e.g. manipulating a tube into or out of the holder's holding member 18 (that accordingly has an extension H).

Forces acting to unstable attachment of the holder to the dispensing system may also be due to unintentional forces applied by a user handling the holder or by unintentional contact between the holder and other objects e.g. in a tool box where the dispenser is stored. Consequently, W≥H may assist in providing a tool holder that is more stably attached to a dispensing system during use.

A further aspect of at least some embodiments that is independent or combinable with the aspect just discussed (of W≥H), relates to the slated side flanks S of the holder's base. This is illustrated by the ‘dash-dotted’ arrows in FIG. 5 that extend alongside each one of the flanks S. The slanting structure of the side flanks S has the advantage of re-directing at least some of the forces (here marked as F) to which the holder is exposed during use (e.g. due to insertion or removal of the tube or unintentional handling of the holder).

Such re-direction of forces along the slanted side flanks (rather than along directions e.g. more orthogonal to the diagonal's D1, D2) has the effect of increasing stability of the holder on the dispensing system during use; since forces acting e.g. along directions parallel to the diagonal's D1, D2 apply larger moment forces that act to destabilize the attachment of the holder on the dispensing system as opposed to forces directed generally along the slanted side flanks.

FIGS. 7.1 to 7.7 provide various illustrative views of an embodiment of a tube holder of the invention, with FIGS. 7.6 and 7.7 being merely illustrative showing the intended use of a tube article that can be placed on the canister for holding. The dotted lines on FIGS. 7.1, 7.3 and 7.5 indicate an adhesive tape used to attach to a surface of the canister.

In the description and claims of the present application, each of the verbs, “comprise” “include” and “have”, and conjugates thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components, elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

Further more, while the present application or technology has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and non-restrictive; the technology is thus not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art and practicing the claimed technology, from a study of the drawings, the technology, and the appended claims.

In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures can not be used to advantage.

The present technology is also understood to encompass the exact terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc., if in here such terms, features, numerical values or ranges etc. are referred to in connection with terms such as “about, ca., substantially, generally, at least” etc. In other words, “about 3” shall also comprise “3” or “substantially perpendicular” shall also comprise “perpendicular”. Any reference signs in the claims should not be considered as limiting the scope.

Although the present embodiments have been described to a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various alterations and modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

1-23. (canceled)
 24. A tube holder comprising a base and a holding member extending along an axis Y, the base comprising a rear side and a front side where the holding member is located, wherein the base in a plan view of either the front or rear sides has a general quadrilateral rhombus shape, and wherein the tube holder is configured to attach to a dispensing system at its rear side, wherein when viewed in the plan view the base comprises peripheral side flanks that are slanted relative to axis Y, and wherein the quadrilateral rhombus shape of the base has two diagonals and one of the diagonals D1 extends along a direction generally parallel to axis Y, for example generally coinciding with axis Y, at least when viewed in the plan view.
 25. The tube holder of claim 24, wherein the holding member is configured for detachably holding an extension tube for the dispensing system when the extension tube is not in use.
 26. The tube holder of claim 25, wherein the holding member extends a distance H along axis Y and at least a portion of the rear side of the base has a lateral extension W that in the plan view appears to extend along an axis generally orthogonal to Y, and wherein W≥H.
 27. The tube holder of claim 26, wherein distance H is measured between effective holding regions of the holding member that are configured to hold onto the extension tube and/or the rear side of the base is curved along extension W.
 28. The tube holder of claim 27, wherein the holding member projects above the front side of the base a height C and is configured to hold onto an extension tube having a diameter d, and wherein C≤2×d; and more preferably C≤1.5×d.
 29. The tube holder of claim 27, wherein the other diagonal D2 is generally orthogonal to axis Y at least when viewed in the plan view, and a curvature of the rear side is maximal along diagonal D2, and the tube holder comprises an attachment means on the rear side for attaching to the dispensing system that extends at least along diagonal D2, possibly only along diagonal D2.
 30. A dispensing system comprising a holder for detachably holding an extension tube, the holder comprising a base and a holding member extending along an axis Y for the holding of the tube, the base comprising a rear side configured to attach to the dispensing system and a front side where the holding member is located, wherein the base in a plan view of either the front or rear sides has a general quadrilateral rhombus shape.
 31. The dispensing system of claim 30, wherein the holding member extends a distance H along axis Y and at least a portion of the rear side of the base has a lateral extension W that in the plan view appears to extend along an axis generally orthogonal to Y, and wherein W≥H.
 32. The dispensing system of claim 31, wherein distance H is measured between effective holding regions of the holding member that are configured to hold onto the extension tube and/or the rear side of the base is curved along extension W.
 33. The dispensing system of claim 32, wherein when viewed in the plan view the base comprises peripheral side flanks that are slanted relative to axis Y.
 34. The dispensing system of claim 30, wherein the quadrilateral rhombus shape of the base has two diagonals and one of the diagonals D1 extends along a direction generally parallel to axis Y, for example generally coinciding with axis Y, at least when viewed in the plan view.
 35. The dispensing system of claim 34, wherein the other diagonal D2 is generally orthogonal to axis Y at least when viewed in the plan view, and a curvature of the rear side is maximal along diagonal D2, and the holder comprises an attachment means on the rear side for attaching to the dispensing system that extends at least along diagonal D2, possibly only along diagonal D2.
 36. The dispensing system of claim 30, wherein the holding member projects above the front side of the base a height C and is configured to hold onto an extension tube having a diameter d, and wherein C≤2×d; and more preferably C≤1.5×d.
 37. The dispensing system of claim 36, and being of a canister type having a cylindrical shape having an axis generally parallel to axis Y.
 38. A tube holder comprising a base and a holding member extending along an axis Y, the base comprising a rear side and a front side, the rear side comprising a generally partial cylindrical concaved shape and the front side being where the holding member is located, wherein the base in a plan view of either the front or rear sides has a general quadrilateral rhombus shape, and when viewed in the plan view comprises peripheral side flanks that are slanted relative to axis Y, and wherein the tube holder is configured to attach to a dispensing system at its rear side.
 39. The tube holder of claim 38, wherein the holding member is configured for detachably holding an extension tube for the dispensing system when the extension tube is not in use.
 40. The tube holder of claim 38, wherein the holding member extends a distance H along axis Y and at least a portion of the rear side of the base has an extension W that in the plan view appears to extend along an axis generally orthogonal to Y, and wherein W≥H.
 41. The tube holder of claim 40, wherein distance H is measured between effective holding regions of the holding member that are configured to hold onto the extension tube and/or the rear side of the base is curved along extension W.
 42. The tube holder of claim 38, wherein the quadrilateral rhombus shape of the base has two diagonals and one of the diagonals D1 extends along a direction generally parallel to axis Y, for example generally coinciding with axis Y, at least when viewed in the plan view.
 43. The tube holder of claim 42, wherein the other diagonal D2 is generally orthogonal to axis Y at least when viewed in the plan view, and a curvature of the rear side is maximal along diagonal D2, and the holder comprises an attachment means on the rear side for attaching to the dispensing system that extends at least along diagonal D2, possibly only along diagonal D2. 